Over 48,000 Foreign Tourists Visit Annapurna Region in a Month

Gandaki, April 7 — The Annapurna region has recorded a strong influx of foreign tourists at the start of the 2026 tourist season, with more than 48,500 international visitors arriving in a single month.

According to the Annapurna Area Conservation Project (ACAP), a total of 48,513 foreign tourists visited various destinations in the region. Among them, 32,020 visitors were from SAARC countries, while 16,493 came from other parts of the world.

ACAP Chief Dr Rabin Kadariya said the number of tourists increased by 11,679 in March compared to the same period last year. He noted that around 40 percent of all tourists visiting Nepal travel to the Annapurna region, with Indian nationals forming the largest share among South Asian visitors.

The period from March to May is considered a peak tourist season in Nepal, especially for trekking. Popular destinations in the region include Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Mardi Himal, Ghandruk, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Upper Mustang, Ghorepani and Poon Hill.

ACAP also reported a rise in domestic tourist arrivals, driven by the upcoming Nepali New Year and school holidays.

Spanning 7,600 square kilometres across Kaski, Lamjung, Manang, Myagdi and Mustang districts, the Annapurna Conservation Area remains one of the world’s major trekking destinations, known for its natural beauty, biodiversity and rich cultural heritage.